February is the month of LOVE, but do you always show yourself love? As women we do a lot of giving to others. We bend over backwards to help our friends and do whatever is needed to help our children. We’re busy with work, busy keeping the household running smoothly, and if there’s time to relax you just want to veg-out! Well it’s time to do something for yourself, and not just every so often. You need to schedule some much needed self-love every week (if not every day). And don’t worry, these take very little time to do and you can pick and choose the ones that interest you. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started so you will be healthier and happier:

1. Gratitude Journal: Write 3-5 things you are grateful for every day or at least once a week. Maybe it’s something you accomplished, something positive someone said to you, or write about anything that made you happy. The more you are aware of the things you are grateful for, the more positive a person you will be. Also, you can read this journal anytime you are having a bad day. Seeing all the positives in one place will bring a smile to your face.

2. Focus on eating healthy. When you eat healthy you feel amazing! You will have more energy and you will be able to accomplish so much more. Plus this will boost your immunity, because who wants to be sick??

3. Do something to move your body every day. Again, just like when you eat better, you will feel so much happier when you move your body. And if you take your workouts outside, you will receive a double bonus. Getting a short outdoor walk will improve your mood because you release endorphins which triggers positive feelings, plus you get in your vitamin D from the sunlight. Remember, your body WANTS to move. Get moving!

4. Find something creative to do, just for fun. Most of us have so much on our plate that it’s hard to find a time to be creative. Think about what you used to do for fun when you had the time. Was it painting, scrapbooking, cooking, pottery, or needlepoint? Maybe there’s something you’ve always wanted to do. Sign-up for a class and then when it’s scheduled you are committed and can’t skip it.

5. Be your own best friend. How do you talk to yourself? Whether you talk positively or negatively to yourself you will start to believe it. You need to choose the option that serves you better (which better be talking nicely to yourself!). So, whenever you find yourself saying something negative about yourself, stop and find something positive to tell yourself.

6. Do you compare yourself to others? Well, STOP! You are unique and no one else should be just like you, so don’t try to be like someone else. This is a hard lesson to learn because it’s so easy to look at others and want what they have. Remember nobody shows others their complete life, and no one is perfect. Be happy and appreciate what only you have and can do.

7. Find positive friends that are caring and compassionate to themselves and to others. Your friends should be able to lift you up when you need lifting. If you have a positive attitude you will attract positive people into your life. Spending time with negative people will leave you drained. Think if these people need to be in your life.

8. Practice meditation daily. The book One Minute to Zen shows you that even one minute of meditation is very beneficial. And because it’s only one minute, you won’t feel stressed to find time to do it. This book gives you many ideas to try, so you can find the way that works for you.

9. Get 7-8 hours of sleep. This one is tough for me since I don’t sleep great, but I’m definitely getting better. The more sleep you get, the more energy you will have to do the things you need to get done. If you want to see my tips to sleep better, go here.

10. And finally, be gentle with yourself. You do not need to be perfect! I used to strive for perfection and it’s just not attainable, plus it’s exhausting. It’s ok if the house isn't clean, or you miss a workout (or two), or if you have to pick up dinner that’s not the healthiest. Do your best, and then take time for yourself, and show YOU some self-love,

Let me know how your self-love is going. What do you do to make yourself feel loved? Comment below.